Plainsmen lose overtime thriller to Sheridan College

By Brennen Rupp, JA

If it weren't for Sheridan College, the Northeastern Junior College Plainsmen would have a perfect record.

The Plainsmen have suffered two losses this season, both of them coming against Sheridan College. NJC is 6-0 against everybody else.

The Plainsmen tipped-off their season with a 88-62 loss on the road to Sheridan College. On Monday night NJC welcomed Sheridan College to the Bank of Colorado Event Center for a rematch. NJC showed significant improvement, but lost in overtime 92-83.

Sheridan College started the game on an 8-0 run before Axel Mpoyo made a pair of free throws to get the Plainsmen on the board. The Generals led 46-40 at the halfway point.

In the second half Tyre Robinson and Mpoyo both scored eight points to lead the Plainsmen. NJC outscored Sheridan 35-29 to force overtime. It was all Sheridan in overtime, as the visiting Generals outscored NJC 17-8 to pick up the victory.

Mpoyou led NJC with 17 points. Mpoyo also came down with five rebounds. Garrett Baggett scored 15 points. Robinson scored nine points. Jalonni McCovery scored eight points, grabbed five rebounds and dished out five assists. Ron Hall scored eight points, grabbed six rebounds and blocked three shots. Dan Villejo scored eight points and recorded four steals.

NJC will be back in action on Wednesday, Nov. 30, against Trinidad State Junior College. It will be the start of a three-game road trip for the Plainsmen. NJC will play their next home game on Saturday, Dec. 10, against McCook Community College.